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Is it possible to retrofit reverse gear on R18 Basic?
- Discussion starter Manhattan Matte
- Start date
IN2R18s
Active member
Reverse gear(s) can be seen on the image on the right. It is not a 5 minute installation.
tommymck
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2020
- Messages
- 319
- Bike
- BMW R18C, Triumph Speedmaster, Honda CB1100Ex, Yamaha SR400
I was told at the dealer when I bought my bike that the initial set of R18s that came with the book, rondelles, and the rest of the paraphernalia also came with reverse. After that, for Classics and regular R18s (they didn't call them basics at that time) they were add-ons.
Personally, I don't use reverse at all. It never seems to work when I actually need it...but always works when I don't.
Personally, I don't use reverse at all. It never seems to work when I actually need it...but always works when I don't.
Manhattan Matte
Active member
- Discussion starter
- #24
Yes, my question about retro-fitting a reverse gear on my 2023 Basic seems possible, but it would be a money pit. Thanks for the replies. I don't understand Star-Lord's comment about liking turtles, but it's probably none of my business, anyway. Thanks for the laugh! 
Ulrich
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2022
- Messages
- 1,643
- Location
- Southern Oregon
- Bike
- BMW R18 FE / '66 Pan-Shovel
Maybe see if you can get an early gearbox from a salvage yard ... that might be the most reasonably priced version for you ...Yes, my question about retro-fitting a reverse gear on my 2023 Basic seems possible, but it would be a money pit. Thanks for the replies. I don't understand Star-Lord's comment about liking turtles, but it's probably none of my business, anyway. Thanks for the laugh!
Hammo
Active member
Due to the electronics and other "gizmos" on motorcycles these days i would take it to a dealer and request information and a qoute , i had the sorry experience of having work done on my R18 by a garage only to find it ended up going to BMW for rectification , luckily it did not cost me a lot but it was a wake up call .
Star-Lord
Well-known member
Maybe consider, trading in you existing R18 for a new R18... Go BIG... the new red Bagger with the 21" front wheel and dark chrome has got me thinking... oh yeah, and it has the Reverse option..
I agree 100%, I like having the Reverse functionality and use it after every single ride.
I agree 100%, I like having the Reverse functionality and use it after every single ride.
Jgraf0107
Member
Its not a standard option. And no it can not be done after thefact.